Translator vs. Interpreter: What's the Difference?
A translator converts written text, documents, contracts, transcripts, from one language into another. An interpreter works with spoken language in real time, at a deposition, hearing, or client meeting, converting speech as it happens instead of working from a fixed written source. The two skill sets overlap but aren't interchangeable, a strong translator isn't automatically equipped to interpret live, and the reverse is also true.
What Does a Translator Actually Do?
A translator converts written text, documents, contracts, transcripts, correspondence, from one language into another, working with a fixed source text and producing a written deliverable.
What Does an Interpreter Actually Do?
An interpreter works with spoken language in real time, at a deposition, hearing, or client meeting, converting speech as it happens rather than working from a document that already exists.
Are Translation and Interpretation Skills Interchangeable?
Not automatically. A strong translator isn't necessarily equipped to interpret live speech under time pressure, and a skilled interpreter isn't automatically a strong document translator. The two skills overlap but require different training and practice.
How Do You Know Which One a Specific Task Needs?
If the work involves a written document, contract, certificate, or filing, you need a translator. If it involves a spoken exchange, deposition, hearing, interview, or consultation, you need an interpreter.
Can the Same Person or Company Provide Both Services?
Yes, many providers, including Translate.Law, offer both translation and interpretation, often for the same case, though the individual linguist assigned to each task is matched to the specific skill the task requires.
Does a Legal Matter Often Need Both Services at Once?
Frequently. A single case might need certified translation of supporting documents and interpretation for a deposition or hearing, especially in immigration, litigation, or any matter involving both paperwork and live proceedings.
Is One Service Generally More Expensive Than the Other?
Pricing differs by unit rather than by which is inherently more expensive: translation is typically priced per page, while interpretation is priced per hour, so cost depends more on the specific document length or session duration than on which service it is.
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